Abraham Lincoln never spent much time in Annapolis. If a cursory review of history books is any indication, it appears he walked from a train station at what is now West Street to City Dock, where he caught a ferry south in 1865.

But there is no figure that looms over elections in America as Lincoln does. Chosen by a narrow margin in 1860, an outcome that prompted Southern states to secede, he led the nation through the Civil War to victory and won by a landslide four years later over a disgruntled former general.

Why bring the 16th president up on the day before this year’s elections? Because no one ever expressed a better sentiment for those who don’t vote:

“Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”

At a national level, fire seems an apt comparison. President Donald Trump has thrust himself into the midterms in a variety of ways, to what purpose we will let others define.

In races for Congress, there is very little chance in Maryland that there will be any change among the contests Anne Arundel County voters will help decide.

At the local level, there appears to be a very tight race for county executive between incumbent Steve Schuh and challenger Steuart Pittman.

If the election of governor seems less than competitive — the polls show a double-digit lead for Gov. Larry Hogan over Ben Jealous, but polls aren’t always right — there are several state legislative races where turnout could make a difference.

Farther down the ballot, six open seats for County Council, a grudge rematch for state’s attorney, an open race for sheriff and five county and state questions are all among outcomes that could swing one way or the other depending whether the voting population is motivated to turn out on Tuesday.

If early voting was any indication, voters will come.

Anne Arundel voters set a record for turnout in the eight days at the polls that wrapped up Thursday. Unofficial numbers more than 70,000 people cast ballots.

We have offered endorsements in some races, but not all. Candidates have made their cases.

Now it’s up to the voters. Our system of government trusts in their wisdom.

Every year, someone will tell you this election is more important than the last one.

We tend to think they are equally important. This is serious stuff.

And if Wednesday dawns, and the outcome isn’t what you hoped for, remember Lincoln’s words.

If you don’t vote, you’ll only have yourself to blame for the pain your rear.